Portret van een onbekende man 1883

Henri De Graer created this portrait of an unknown man using etching techniques. The composition is dominated by the sitter's strong profile, featuring a full beard rendered with a network of fine lines that convey a sense of volume and texture. The etching is confined to a square area; the rest of the paper is blank. De Graer masterfully uses line and shadow to define form. Light strikes the man's forehead and nose, drawing attention to the contours of his face. Darker, denser lines are used to depict the beard and the background, creating depth and contrast. The figure’s steady gaze establishes a psychological space, inviting the viewer to consider the sitter's character. Through the graphic qualities of the etching, De Graer encourages us to look beyond mere representation. Here, the formal elements of line and tone become tools for exploring themes of identity, representation, and the psychological presence of the subject.